MARIE MILLSAPS

Correspondent

Highway 11 and Billy R. Ridenour Highway (Highway 322) were paved recently and there are more state road projects in the works, according to the latest project update from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

One project upcoming is safety improvements for the New Highway 68 and several dangerous intersections (Hiddenbrook Drive, Briarcliff Drive and Nichols Road) near the Sweetwater city limits on the way to Madisonville.

The engineering for this 0.9-mile project should begin anytime and should involve signage and a turn lane.

Other state projects in one stage or another include:

Intersection at Isbill Road in Madisonville

Length - 0.0 miles (intersection improvements and signals)

A contract for construction is scheduled to be let in the fourth quarter of this year.

State Route 322

The environment studies are complete for this long-awaited 7.2 mile road improvement from west of Sunnyside Road to Highway 72 in Vonore. The project is split into two parts (4.1 miles from Sunnyside to Old Loudon Road and 3.1 miles from Old Loudon Road to Highway 72).

According to TDOT, engineering us under way for both legs of the project.

Warren Street intersection at Tellico Street South in Madisonville

Length - 0.0 (intersection improvements)

The engineering is scheduled to begin now.

Warren Street intersection at College Street in Madisonville

Length - 0.0 (intersection improvements and signals)

The engineering is scheduled to begin now.